FOUND FLEA Market No. 2 with Distancing & Local Pickers

✨ F O U N D FLEA ✨

Market with Distancing & Local Pickers

Saturday, May 23rd from 11-3ish for another

Wear a mask 😷

Bring your bags. 

Our FOUND FLEA Market No. 1 went over so well that we wanted to offer up another opportunity to more folks and be outside in the sun behind FOUND, with local pickers to join in on the fun. If you're a treasure hunter, this is something to pencil in on your dance card. Follow the event on Facebook to be apart of the buzz.

Local Pickers include but are not limited to MERC Naturals, Peaces by Lauren, Loloma Lodge aka Wallis Levin, Golden Years Vintage, Dime Pieces Shop, Jaime Hogen, and MORE!

FOUND Flea Market (with Distancing)

***UPDATE 4/24 Due to a rainy forecast, we will be allowing 5 shoppers inside at once, you must wear a mask and follow the social distancing lines out front. You will also be asked to sanitize your hands before entering.***

✨ Our first ever Open-Air FOUND Flea Market is Saturday, April 25th from 11-3 pm! ✨

Here’s the passion behind this idea: community, fresh air, and to have fun!

Our intentions are to offer an open-air shopping experience dubbed the FOUND Flea Market offering our local artist wares, organic skincare, second-life goods, handmade jewelry, and to help support our neighboring local businesses along Brooks Alley.

Put your mask on, grab a coffee from Looney Bean, bring your shopping bags to FOUND to shop, grab lunch from Bend Brewing Company and Barrio Taco Truck, and grab a native plant from Deschutes Basin Native Plant Nursery at The Commons. Let’s celebrate spring together, at a distance! It may be a little awkward at times with no hugs, limited interactions, and short hi’s and goodbye’s but know WE LOVE YOU! 💚

A Few Housekeeping Items:

• Masks are required! 😷

• Wear gloves if that comforts you but using hand sanitizer and frequent washing helps eliminate cross-contamination

• If you’re sick, stay home

• If you’re high risk, stay home

• If you’ve been exposed to the virus knowingly, stay home

• If you’re 65+ come at 10:30 am to shop early and avoid contact with others

• Be respectful and responsible and stay 6’ from others when shopping

• Window shopping is welcome –– we’ll assist you but we’re not opening the shop during the market due to our limited staffing.

• All card payments will be taken at our POS outside on the North wall with a contactless card reader and signatures are not required but we are accepting cash sales too

• If you think this is crazy, stay home (and ponder the following)!

If you’re comfortable grocery shopping inside a building with more than 10 people, then this will be right up your alley! If you’d prefer to stay home and shop online please consider ordering from small businesses in your community like us and discontinue boosting billionaire pockets like Amazon, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, Wilco, and Walmart (all who are STILL OPEN to customers going inside (sans Amazon) and selling much more than the essentials) while nearly all of the small businesses downtown Bend were asked to close their doors. Liquor stores and dispensaries have also remained open throughout the past month and are thriving which means the state is also receiving huge taxation of those sales, alcohol sales during the month of March in Oregon alone were nearly 66 million.

Sidenote, did you know the top 25 companies of the world are in Oil & Gas, Finance, and guess who else is on the list? Wal-Mart is also on this list and has remained open. If you’re shopping IRL, please consider walking or biking to lessen your oil consumption too.

Friendly Reminder: we offer free same-day local delivery from our online shop but not everything is online — most all FOUND Objects are one-of-a-kind. It’s not the most strategic eCommerce business but it is interesting, eclectic, handmade, and in alignment with our belief that The Future is FOUND!

Cheers –– see you Saturday,

Jacq / FOUNDer

Community, Connectedness, Support

by FOUNDer, Jacqueline Smith

I hope you’re home enjoying the time we’re all being gifted. I’m personally taking this newfound time as a workshop to build our online presence, brand, style, voice, and connect more with our artists. I’m also utilizing this chapter to remember our company's ethics and prioritize what matters, what excites us, what we know you want — but you haven’t found yet!

I’ve been blessed to have so many honest conversations with neighboring business owners, clients, friends, artists and with the women who work here at FOUND. The shop hasn’t been open two years yet in its physical form, but it’s been a sprint to get to where we are today —thanks to you all for keeping me on my toes— that I hardly had a moment to meet many of my neighboring business owners. A huge silver lining in all this has been these sidewalk conversations, introductions from afar, and elbow bumps.

My instinct on Sunday, March 15th was to close the doors to keep everyone safe and stop paying a single dime of overhead the shop endures each month. But, that approach does not honor everyone that has helped grow the shop for the past two years. FOUND isn't just my shop anymore — it’s the communities. It’s the 80+ artists, it’s the woman who keep her open on a daily basis whose roles are quickly changing (did you see our new illustrated gift cards by Jenny / or Jaime’s close-up and Top 8 Picks), who clean her weekly, who have events here, who depend on her each and every month. It’s more than me. And today, FOUND needs me like never before and I’m happy to be the one to pivot, to listen, and to adapt to this new normal.

Thank you for your continued support of our vision and talented roster of local artists. FOUND literally came from nothing and has been built by all of us into something beautiful that’s flourished quickly. I look forward to celebrating our two year anniversary with you all come July 2020 even if we have to limit the number of people who enter the shop or if we have to have a Zoom First Friday July — we’re making it happen!

Our new daily goals are to work hard but to also get outside every day. To listen to creative ideas but let the obvious ones fall to the side. To stay connected to loved ones but to put the phone down more often. To make local purchases but to also stay home. Cheers to a stronger, more conscious future ahead. 

With love–keep trusting,

Jacqueline, FOUNDer

NEW FOUND DETAILS

• OPEN Wednesday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm (window shopping & curbside pickup)

• Personal Shopping appointments Sunday - Tuesday (by phone)

• FREE DAY-OF local Central Oregon delivery

• A new SALE page has been added with up to 50% off, mainly to keep goods with an expiration moving

The Make(Her) No. 5: Marité Acosta, Potter & Chef

WE ARE SUPPORTED WITH GOODS MADE BY OVER FIFTY WOMEN, AND TO BETTER UNDERSTAND WHO THEY ARE, WE’RE SPOTLIGHTING ONE ARTIST MONTHLY-ISH TO LEARN WHAT’S MADE HER, THE MAKER. 

by Jacqueline Smith, Founder & CEO, FOUND Natural Goods

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The fresh (and delicious) scones served in her bowl during our Make(Her) Q&A Conversation.

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Marité’s infamous style textured handmade pottery. Photo by Matité Acosta

FOUND’s fifth spotlight of the Make(Her) Series lands on Marité Acosta pronounced MAR-a-TAE, Potter & Chef. Marité and I met earlier this summer at her new gallery and workspace in Tumalo, Oregon, called The Studio: Pottery + Arts Collective. Set inside a red barn exterior, the neutral almost industrial styled interior quickly sets her apart from the neighbors, hinting at her many talents and hats she’s both worn and mastered whilst in New York City. 

Draped in natural linens herself, Marité instantly jumps up to greet me offering fresh scones, water, coffee, and volunteers details lost in textile art today, inspired by my vintage jumper with monochromatic florals. Her wisdom comes from once being a fashion designer, colorist and food stylist –– all of which are not unrelated to her present professional roles as a Chef and as we all know, a Potter.

Marité Acosta’s absolutely drool-worthy pottery can be found inside only a select few shops which thankfully includes FOUND Natural Goods and even our online store is now carrying her coveted tiny ceramic dishes in a plethora of custom finishes, all made by hand, by Marité herself here in Central Oregon. Please enjoy the edited transcription below from our hour plus together. 

Marité Acosta (MA): Oh, that’s great.  

Jacqueline Smith (JS): Isn’t it? My Aunt Carol found this vintage piece in Portland. 

MA: Yeah, and that’s clearly a vintage print. When I was a Fashion Designer, I saw so many prints and this is from a really, really long time ago when they did these, almost like French prints where it was first etched that then gets printed. Nobody does that anymore. If you ever see this, it's because it's been taken from a vintage print. The detail is so crazy. 

JS: It’s really beautiful. How do you know so much about so many things? I thought I came here to talk pottery. 

MA: Well, I do use fabrics in pottery—which, it's funny because it seems so obvious coming from fashion. But, when I was first making pieces and using textiles for texture [on pottery] it really wasn't so obvious to me. I just liked it. And then someone said it to me, “Oh, so your textile background influences…” I was like, oh yeah, I guess so!

JS: You said you’ve been here only about a week?

MA: We've been here a few months now. But in terms of being able to come in and do work––it’s only been about a week, yes. [walking around the studio] We've got the kiln here. I actually had that in my garage for a while while I was trying to figure out my studio worlds. Trying to find something other than the school (COCC), which is such a great school. Thank God the school was there! But I wanted my own space and I was lucky that Heidi (Weiss-Hoffman) and I met on the first day of class and then we just connected and in the back of our minds thought we would get a space together one day and I'm so bloody happy now. 

JS: It feels good in here. It's great, it's crisp. 

MA: Right? Good energies. Cool. High ceilings. 

JS: Raw and beautiful. 

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Inside The Studio: Pottery + Arts Collective. Photo by Matité Acosta

MA: Yeah. It's funny because my first formal title in a job as a designer was ‘colorist’. And so everything revolved around color and having to use it, but I tend to go towards neutrals. I used to go to factories and approve colors for huge corporations, for menswear, womenswear, and kids, all fabrics, all fibers. But in my personal life, I need void of color. I like clean simplicity. I know when I go into someone's home where there's lots of colors I'm always very impressed because it’s so bold. 

JS: Yes, it's a commitment. 

MA: Anything is a commitment. I mean whatever your choice, you're committing to it. But when it's louder, I'm like wow, that's so amazing!  Even this space, Heidi and I both agreed to keep it neutral because color always finds its way in one way or the other –– whether it's the blue cup there, or you know, just on a piece [of pottery]. But in this clean space, I can sit in quiet for hours and just make. Especially with pottery, it’s pure meditation. 

JS: Hmmm. 

MA: Even in a group studio, I was always with headphones on and just go for hours without talking to anybody. And in New York, I sought that out because there’s just so much noise. I’d been in New York City since I was 20––actually, since I was 18 I'd lived in cities, big cities. And now here, I'm so embracing being able to sit here quietly and have that [Marité points to the trees outside and we can both hear the birds chirping]. It's so peaceful. It's like shocking. I could sit down and watch the hummingbirds in our garden, for hours. It's such a nice place. It's a nice shift in our life living here. 

JS: Sounds wonderful. And what’s this rolling contraption? 

MA: That’s a slab roller. What I was doing before that was hand throwing and flattening, tossing down by hand.  This is a quicker, more efficient way. Here, right now I'm playing with this really sandy, like it just kind of crumbles, you can mess with it. [Marité hands Jacqueline a ball of wet, grey clay]

JS: Where is it from? 

MA: This from Georgie's in Portland. I've been playing with sourcing clay from a lot of different places since I moved here, just trying to sort of seeing what I like. And so it's been an ongoing year, almost two-year experiment. 

JS: Oh, it’s really sandy. 

MA: Right, so it dries out fast, and you've got to work with it very quickly. Plus we're in a dry environment, but each clay is different. I mean, I'm definitely finding some a bit too dry, but I think I'm narrowing it down now. But I mostly use this –– very similar to what you have inside FOUND. This allows these details to come out. [Marité points to the imperfections and discolorations in color on a finished piece of pottery]

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The “freckles” on a white Ikebana we know and adore at FOUND.

JS: The freckles? 

MA: Yes, on certain glazes the iron in the clay raise and pop through as freckles. I like these more muted colors here. 

JS: So from my inexperienced perspective… taking the glaze out of the equation, this is obviously a different clay from this one, right? 

MA: But you've done some work, yeah? 

JS: Well, yeah, but it's been years and years –– actually the last time I threw on a wheel was about three years ago in Japan. I was staying at an Airbnb and had commented on the pottery they had stocked their kitchen with, for us to use, and the woman grabbed my hand and led me to her studio down the gravel road where she basically giggled and covered her mouth for a good hour while I made bowl after bowl. She was actually pretty impressed by my last bowl. 

MA: That’s amazing. 

JS: It was a little surreal. But, not to digress too much, I'm really curious about the different clays––can you source them back to where the clays are from on the earth? 

MA: I probably could if I researched it and called the maker and asked. 

JS: Clay Makers? 

MA: Yeah. 

JS: I love that that’s a job.  

MA: The clay that I used back east, it doesn't make sense for me to have it shipped here. It's so heavy. So I'm trying to source something here that is similar and so far they’re pretty close. The clay right there is what's called green. So greenware is the most fragile state actually. It’s just dry clay and it will crumble. And there are so many times throughout the process of pottery where things can go awry. So to me, it's hugely successful to end up in a place where I'm like, oh yeah, I like that. I'm happy where this ended up. 

JS: It’s such a process. 

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Top to bottom, this photo illustrates the same clay as wet, greenware, and after the first firing before glaze.

MA: When I first started doing pottery I took a class and then I took another class and another. I was spending as much time in the studio as I could. I started turning down jobs. I freelanced so I could take the jobs when I wanted them. [Marité and Jacqueline look over a shelf of her incomplete and finished work] I’ve always been less excited about a perfectly thrown bowl. However, I can really appreciate how the skill that goes into it. It’s less exciting, but it's a beautiful thing. And I can't even throw the perfect bowl––I don't tend to sit and do 10, 12 of somethings. I don't have the attention span. I prefer to visualize the bigger picture. 

JS: What’s your bigger picture?  

MA: It's more of the lifestyle, the general aesthetic. I guess it starts with my own aesthetic which  tends to be more, you know, natural, and organic I guess?

JS: Full of beautiful details like your linen apron and the brass rivets? 

MA: But not intentional. It just works because you know, like your store, you follow what feels right to you. You're not thinking about every available decision as it relates to every other decision. You just make your decisions, they pile up and ultimately it's you on a plate.

JS: Literally, you on a plate. [laughs]

MA: Literally, yeah. [laughs] And then so I started doing that when I was at Food Network and I was working on food styling and we had some people in from California ––a photographer and stylist–– and of course they collect pottery and they asked to see my work and they bought everything. I was like, Oh! I have to start making more. 

JS: No way! 

MA: So that's just how that started. And I love to sell pottery because I just know that it's somewhere being used and loved. I used to sell a lot of it online and then people started collecting and then there was shipping international –– shipping sucks. Shipping pottery specifically. I just shipped the three things this week and fingers crossed.  You're just afraid it's going to break so I pack the life out of it. I've shipped all over the world and it's tricky, but so flattering especially with so many good potters in the world. You know, there are so many good people out there. I shipped to Australia once with no way of tracking it. I was having a heart attack. I kept asking, why my work? There are so many amazing Australian potters - what a compliment! 

JS: I mean, they must have heard what you were saying? 

MA: I guess it spoke to them. I mean it's kind of the ultimate compliment. You know that someone likes what you're making. Yeah. It really makes me happy. It's the one thing in my career that I've designed that I didn't have to design into. The crucial part of the process in clay is letting go of certain amount of control, which was, for me is one of the most wonderful parts of it,  just accepting that things happen along the way and most of the time when it comes out different than what I expected, those are the best details. 

JS: Happy accidents. 

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Bowl stacks photo by Matité Acosta

MA: Yes, I think the most exciting part of it is not trying to overly control every step of it because again, ultimately it will be me. It doesn't matter as long as it's me making it, you know, even if that was thrown, to me that lives in the same house or life. Just like your store, everything lives together in harmony because you've decided and so it works. People either get it or they don't. 

JS: It's fun to show people that you don't have to have new or it doesn't have to be perfect. Like you're saying, the perfectly thrown bowl. It can be this really interesting shape that has movement and imperfections, or it's old or used or rusted.  

MA: Or cracked or chipped even! Even a chipped bowl is okay. I mean it's all right. It still works. If it’s a good break, you know, do a little kintsugi. It’s become so trendy. It's beautiful, but it's become trendy. It's funny to see like some manufactured things that they call kintsugi and they just… 

JS: Oh, that’s sad. 

MA: Anyone who knows what it is, knows the difference between legit and inauthentic kintsugi. Some of mine aren’t true true kintsugi. Sometimes the gold is just decorative too.

JS: One of my favorite things about terracotta pots is that they get moldy, and they start to grow funky moss––really wild black and white splotches. And, last summer when I was opening FOUND one of my few products were authentic patina terracotta pots that I just adore––they’re fragile and from Italy originally. I went shopping at Target randomly, and there were fake molded terracotta pots for sale!  

MA: Cheaters! 

JS: I was so sad I was almost mad. I wanted to tell them they couldn’t do it.

MA: [laughs]

JS: So, how were you patient enough to find your art in all these different creative careers? 

MA: My dad was a doctor, and he was a meticulous guy who made wine when I was a kid and we always had bonsai gardens, and he was also a very accomplished painter.  So, I think that kind of creative exposure early on definitely had an influence. That's what you do––you learn from anything and everything. I think you learn how to do something, do it right, and then you could apply it to anything. I think that in pottery, it's all very much subjective, but if you do a technical bowl and you slice it right down the middle and you can see that it was a very well-made bowl, that’s great. It's a good skill to have, but, outside of that, the rest is the details. 

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JS: Is it important for you to communicate the different types of glazes or for them to know the names or who? 

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MA: No, not necessarily because it’s likely something I’ve mixed. The only specific that I feel people should know is that the glaze itself is food safe and that when something is a matte finish, um, it can stain. Matte-finished stuff can absorb because it's porous to some degree, but doesn't make it unsafe for food. I don’t love shiny glazes. Sometimes.

JS: These you called test tiles? [Jacqueline points to a set of test tiles on the shelf]

MA: Yes, But, well, anything can be a test tile. Actually, I do a lot of my testing on the little bowls so I don't typically use a lot of those. And truth be told, I'm really lazy about testing glazes. 

JS: Or maybe you're just mysterious chemist? 

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Photos from Marité’s pottery inside FOUND Natural Goods downtown Bend, Oregon.

MA: No, I'm a very bad chemist. [laughs] I won't go through a lot of testing. So if I do test, sometimes I'll test on a little bowl and I'm like, okay, that's good. I don't get so retentive about pottery. If it turns out that it's not nice, I just move on. 

JS: That's kind of lovely though. 

MS: It’s because I needed to be so kind of meticulous in so many other things. Like even at Food Network when I was doing recipe testing, we would test a recipe four times over and over with detailed notes before you publish. You had to be so meticulous and very, very clear and I loved it. It was great. It was a great place, great environment to be in. But, but with pottery, I don't need to do that, which is why I don't do production. That's a whole another type of business.

JS: Do you do custom, I know you've talked about having a custom order. 

MA: Yeah, I will, but I always have a very specific stipulate. Like plates. Plates are the hardest thing to make. It’s why you'll probably see more bowls in handmade pottery than plates - plates warp. So to do a flat plate, flat bottom, by hand [meaning via slab technique rather than on a wheel] is difficult. And even on a wheel, those are very hard. But plates can wobble. And so again, when I do a bunch of plates, I embrace the fact that they're not going to be a perfectly flat plate. But if I pick it up and then lay down and let it continue to dry, it'll dry curved like this now because the clay has memory. 

JS: What about the clay? I know you work with a couple of different types of stoneware. Do you have any interest in working with other materials like porcelain? 

MA: I like stoneware and what I like to do with stoneware, that I think may be a little different, is I tend to try and push stoneware to it’s thinnest. I've lost a ton of work because of this. You have to employ a lot of patience with clay and know it can go wrong. If something breaks it’s devastating and then after a few minutes you're like, well you better get used to that because it’s going to happen.  

Marité Acosta’s pottery is available on her website and inside FOUND Natural Goods downtown Bend, Oregon. Follow Marité on Instagram, @mariteacostapottery and @ingredientstudio to witness her obvious past career in food styling —and— the next time you’re driving through Tumalo, stop by and say hi to Marité. Meet her, see her work, The Studio and maybe even book a private cooking class with her and her partner, Candy through their cooking business Ingredient Studio. Thank you for reading another FOUND Make(Her) Q&A Conversation — we truly appreciate your interest and support.

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Signage for The Studio is, of course, printed on a beautiful fabric and still allows lights to fill the space.

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Marité making the final details on a bowl inside her new workspace in Tumalo, Oregon called The Studio: Pottery + Arts Collective.

The Studio: Pottery + Arts Collective

19875 8th St. 

Tumalo, OR

Read the rest of our Make(Her) Blog Series

• Make(Her) No. 6: Carol Arnott, Picker & Stylist

• Make(Her) No. 5: Marité Acosta, Potter & Chef

• Make(Her) No. 4: Paige Bruguier, Accessory Designer

• Make(Her) No. 3: Tanya Hughes, Plant Devotee

• Make(Her) No. 2: Morgan Miller, Painter & Midwife

• Make(Her) No. 1: Emily Gibbons, Jewelry Designer

Endless Love for Craigslist Mirrors

by Jacqueline Smith, Found N. G. Founder

It’s no secret that Craigslist Mirrors have made a name for themselves. A household name with mentions from credible publications and designers all in awe of the allure, story, humor, and design-sense the images provoke.

Personally, I look on Craigslist every day for the next treasure to go find, shine up or restore and offer to you all at Found. Which fortunately takes me around the state to strangers homes seekings those one-of-a-kind gems.

Recently, there have been some funny mirror postings in Bend, some even with sassy cat tails in the reflection and it reminded me of Craigslist Mirrors being a thing. Years ago, when we still did these things, my brother posted a link on my Facebook to said blog and I haven’t had a look since then.

I immediately fell in love with this collection of unintentional, randon, awkward, still images. They remind me of my Matchbox Pinhole Images, and even the same abandoned feel of the Non-Graffiti Graffiti series I obsessed over but never finished when I was in the Mid-West.

So, in short, I took the time to weed through the endless reel of mirror images from CL to bring you A Found Edit of Craigslist Mirrors. Et voila!

Enjoy,

Jacq

A Found Edit of Craigslist Mirrors

The Make(Her) No. 1: Emily Gibbons, Jewelry Designer

At Found, we are supported with handmade inventory by over fifty people every month. So to better understand who these people are, we’re spotlighting one artist each month. We want to know what’s behind the art, the artist, the designs and mainly, the woman. As 98% of our Found makers are women, we’re shining a light on what’s made her in a new blog series.

First up, Emily Gibbons (EG) ––jewelry designer, painter, mom, and generally driven woman–– was interviewed by Found Natural Goods Founder, Jacqueline Smith (JS) for over an hour with coffee in hand under the unusually warm winter sunshine at Looney Bean's riverfront garden next door to our brick-and-mortar on Brooks Street downtown Bend, Oregon. 

JS: I’m choosing you first [Emily] because you’re my friend and I’m not totally clear on my questions.

EG: [laughs] Well, I’ll try my best!

JS: Ok, so was there a moment when you knew you wanted to make jewelry?

EG: Yeah. I had just finished school, and I was a painting major in college and I was really dedicated to it. But when I moved into an apartment with Colby, I didn’t have space for painting and it was kind of toxic ––I worked in oil paint–– to have in my home space. But, I had this like, this need to make something. I saw a magazine article about making your own simple necklaces, and I was instantly curious, and eventually went to a bead store and it was like, oh my gosh, yes. I got some wire, pliers, and a wire cutting tool and I started dabbling around and playing with it. It was so exciting to be there in this space with all the beads and color. I was excited to wear something that I actually made. At that time, I was teaching yoga and I started getting a lot of comments on the jewelry I was wearing. And then, about 6 months into it, a friend of mine who was also a jeweler was opening up her own store. She asked me to sell some of my pieces on consignment, and gave me a few professional tips about materials and presentation.

JS: Wait, wait, wait –– let’s backtrack –– when was this and where in the world are we?

Photo by Caitlin Gallavan

EG: Good question. It was probably, wow about 10 years ago now in Austin, Texas. I’d just put painting on the back burner. Those first initial pieces were really organic, wire-wrapped, gemstone and kind of crude but they actually sold.

JS: And those first pieces, were they similar to what you’re making now?

EG: Kind of. In some ways, yes, but in other ways, no. I’ve simplified what I do. These were all one-of-a-kind pieces with more focus on intricate wire wrapping and bigger, more organic shapes. 

JS: What drove you to learn metalsmithing?

EG: Honestly I got a little tired of the limits that I had with just wire wrapping, and I got a little sick of doing the same thing over and over. It was half accessibility and half finding my own style and technique, branching out of my comfort zone and working through a challenge. I have never taken a jewelry class so my techniques and styles have evolved in a pretty organic and unique way. I think that has helped me keep an individual look to my work. I also don't use any heat in my studio, no soldering or casting, so I have this challenge that I like... I try to do things with the limits I have set in place, and work within that challenge to create something new. It’s fun right now, but in the future, I might be ready to branch out into more traditional techniques while still holding on to my own style and look. My main motivation that’s driven me has been my own taste and what I want to wear. Trying to blend it to where it was still noticeably my style but more simplistic and refined.

JS: Especially in a saturated and competitive market.

EG: Oh yes.

JS: One thing you mentioned was your first trip to the bead store. Tell me about that.

EG: For me what made it so exciting, coming from a painting background, is it’s another form of a pallet and I love gemstones that have texture, the way they reflect light. In my studio space, I don’t organize or compartmentalize the stones and metals. They’re all laid out on the table and it’s messy and usually, I don’t have a plan when I’m making something new. I just pick some stones that draw my attention, and then start to play with metals and wire to create a new and exciting piece or collection. I may have an idea, but today metal has more of an influence on me and I love to accent it with beads. Once I started getting more into hand-cutting, hammering, texturizing and shaping the metal it became more fun and interesting to me than beadwork. But I still love working with gemstones... adding in what could now be called expertise in that field of wire wrapping and weaving the stones into and around metals.  

JS: Oh, wow I love that. It’s so counterintuitive to what I perceived your process being. So, at one point you mentioned having this need to create. Can you elaborate on that feeling? Is it inside of you?

EG: You know, I think everybody has their own things that drive them, and I can just remember ever since being a child ––and my sister’s the same way, she’s also an artist–– we were really encouraged by our mom, also an artist, to make and create things. I get into a zone, I feel happy, relaxed, excited, and driven when I sit down in my space. The excitement of making something beautiful out of raw materials just doesn’t get old for me. I still love painting, making little sculptures, drawing...but for me, making jewelry is a combination of all of that. I guess today that’s where I find a really large amount of meaning in my life. It’s creating and having that process evolve into something functional.

“I guess today that’s where I find a really large amount of meaning in my life. It’s creating and having that process evolve into something functional.”

JS: Ah, the creative process.

Photo by Caitlin Gallavan

EG: And you know now, having a family, it’s not as much as a desire to grow and expand the business but it’s the one thing that’s for me that I want to hold on to as I raise my boy, soon to be two boys. Because everything else is for other people. I’ve got to be able to hold onto it for myself and push for creativity and exploration. I think that if I can manage to keep this part of myself, I will be happier and more purpose-driven in raising children. It’s truly impossible to ever find real balance, but we can strive for it, right? 

JS: Yes. So true. Ok, ok, ok –– let’s jump back to the main thought this blog series was born of; what’s made you as an artist?

EG: It’s such a generic answer but it’s true. It's having that inherent drive to create, and being inspired nature. But nature is everything. You know, you’re looking at a piece of bark on a tree, how the light reflects off of it and you want to make something that sparks the same feeling of taking in that beauty all around us... that looks organic and has that natural light play, even though it begins as a rigid, hard piece of metal. My work is reflected in nature because everything is kind of organic, and unplanned and not perfect––and I’m a pretty messy, unplanned person.

JS: But that’s what’s so beautiful about you!

EG: If I didn’t have the responsibilities that adult life and family brings, I’d probably be more of a wandering soul. One of the biggest challenges that I’ve faced with being in jewelry ––which is similar to fashion–– are the seasonal demands and competition behind that concept. Coming out with an entirely new collection every couple of months, I’ve learned, now that I’m more established and settled in my own comfort level, I can play with different ideas and styles seasonally and hold on to the staples from each line. I have found what works for me is a less rigid timeline or deadlines. I love working with smaller and independent boutiques where I am able to customize collections and collaborate with my retail partners like you for those unique spaces and their clientele. So you won’t see all the same pieces at every shop I sell my work in. In some ways, that forces me to keep this business small, but for right now that works perfectly with the other obligations I have in my life. 

JS: Sweet. Um, lastly, what’s your tip for someone curious about taking the leap from a hobby to launching a small business from their passion (be it jewelry or another creative expression)?

EG: I spent a lot of time in my twenties not having a clear vision of what I wanted to do. Today I know it’s really helpful to spend time thinking, writing, and putting out real clear objectives on what you do want and the goals you have. Then put a real force behind that and without the distractions of other pursuits and side-jobs that you don’t want to be your career, that is not quick money, but that is fulfilling. Give it everything. It took everything I had to get this going from a hobby to a legitimate business. I gave up a lot of my life and financial security to work towards this goal. I have to give my husband credit for that... a few years ago he said to me pretty point blank: stop daydreaming and really go for it, or get a real job that you can rely on. I was terrified of having an office job and just as scared of continuing to work in the service industry. I loved teaching yoga but it didn’t fulfill me in the same way that creating my own artistic business would, so basically, bite the bullet. 

Discover Emily’s handiwork on her site here ––Emily Gibbons Jewelry–– or come into Found Natural Goods for a full display of her work in-person. Now, the real question, which Found artist is next?

Photo by Caitlin Gallavan

Read the rest of our Make(Her) Blog Series

• Make(Her) No. 6: Carol Arnott, Picker & Stylist

• Make(Her) No. 5: Marité Acosta, Potter & Chef

• Make(Her) No. 4: Paige Bruguier, Accessory Designer

• Make(Her) No. 3: Tanya Hughes, Alchemist Plant Devotee

• Make(Her) No. 2: Morgan Miller, Painter & Midwife

• Make(Her) No. 1: Emily Gibbons, Jewelry Designer

Introducing, Jacqueline Smith - Found Natural Goods' Founder

Hello! Hey I’m Jacq, or Jacqueline as my parents would prefer. Introducing myself is way overdue, but I think that says a lot about me. I’d prefer to be behind the scenes working away rather than presenting my ideas, words or creations (even my about page). Like most, right? But, modeling for other brands and peoples’ ideas––I’m all in, and I’ll have a veggie sandwich for lunch then an extra hot americano with room, please! The perks of being a model are clearly catering-oriented in my eyes.

Found Natural Goods is my brainchild and I’m so happy I took the leap to bring her to life six months ago via a brick-and-mortar downtown Bend, Oregon. She actually started three years ago when I had many other irons in the fire.

A Few Fun Facts:

1. I’ve alway been an entrepreneur at heart. When I was a kid I had many ways of making cash including lemonade stands, pet sitting, trying to sell family heirlooms at their garage sales, mowing lawns, mucking horse stalls, cleaning houses, and selling my hemp necklaces and macramé projects at Ponderfusion downtown Bend.

2. Today, I prefer to work solo in quiet spaces with good light, and lots of snacks.

3. Being sun-kissed, warm and in a bikini is my favorite status.

4. I love food––cooking food, shopping for food, talking about food, and how it brings people together at least three times a day. My ideal breakfast is an egg-in-a-hole, still runny and in the center of a sourdough slice with lots of salt and pepper. An avocado side with sour cream in the center and hot sauce makes for an extra good morning.

I define success as lifting others up while taking good care of my people and myself. I chose this headshot because Natalie Puls was the first to photograph all my Found Natural Goods and myself back in 2016. And, because the more I see this top photo the more it makes me want to yawn.

Cheers to the year ahead,

Jacq

What are Second-Life® Objects?

In short, we coined Second-Life® Objects as a modern rendition of Second-Hand. Yes, it’s an used object, and yes, it’s less cost to you. Yes, it’s also been taken care of –– which is why it’s in killer condition.

During the excruciating painting phase of taking on the 1001 NW Brooks Street location in June (while eco-painting our asses off with SECOND-LIFE white paint, mind you) it was decided that we were not going to make compromises. That recycling matters. That enough shit is made for the masses and it’s important to slow down in life and make better choices. Consume more wisely and create less waste and impact on our earth, anyone?

Our main Second-Life object is clothing. Some vintage, all beautiful and curated under the Found brand. Which means you’ll find a range of vintage Eddie Bauer sweaters this winter, some Gucci boots, and Madewell stovepipe jeans next to an entire vintage holiday rack filled with black velvet, gold sequence, and bead work. Gah! Soon we’ll start posting these babes on the website, but until then, that’s the perk of coming into the shop often – you score!

The photo above is of our stunning handmade metal + wood chandelier that’s also Second-Life. Home goods are something we love sourcing, and in spades at the shop. Thanks to Google image search, it’s known that the designer retails this baby for upwards of $600 (not including shipping) and World Market is one big box that offers a knock off that sucks. We’re asking $499 for this sexy beast and someone is going to love it on the regular.

We hope you now know what Second-Life Objects® mean, and that you kinda give a shit too.

Cheers,

Jacq

Founder with attitude, Found Natural Goods

Outtakes, CYR Photographic

Lucky us, Cyr handed over a few unedited outtakes from our photoshoot with Euijin Gray and The Source. These were all unpublished and never before seen outside of our group email, except the top shot which was the feature image for The Source article.

Here’s a link to our Source Cover blog in August about this photo shoot, the Q&A article, and the photos merged with art from Katie Daisy and Shelia Dunn (also pictured).

Models include: @katiedaisy_artist, @sheiladunnart and @hidealchemy alongside myself, @jacqsmith y @foundnaturalgoods.

POP-UP at 3rd Annual INTO the WOODS 2018 Holiday Market

It’s that time, and we are psyched!

Our Found Natural Goods (Found) table at this years INTO the WOODS Holiday Market (INTO) is inspired by a “hunter-gatherer” approach to sourcing and “grab-and-go” for holiday shopping ease and wrapping strategy–– it’ll be bundles of natural materials mostly hand-gathered, and ready to grab.

We will be alongside 30+ other local artisans, makers, movers, shakers, formulators, artists, bakers, entrepreneurs, and mixologists under a giant, heated, twinkle-lit tent in front of The Commons downtown Bend, Oregon. Be ready to meet the town and see lots of familiar faces ––and–– be ready to shop local for all your loved ones this Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday.

Earlier this year, we received some press about the roots of the INTO event, co-produced with Wallis Levin of Loloma Lodge and The Wilds. It was so affirming —by the response we received from this Bend Bulletin article on pop-ups in central oregon— that local artists do truly benefit from this event (Found being a primary example of growth via pop-ups), and the customers truly look forward to it each year. Win-win, my friends.

The INTO the WOODS 2018 Details

• 3rd Annual Holiday Market

• Black Friday & Shop Small Saturday (11/23-11/24)

• hosted by The Commons, 875 NW Brooks Street

• 10am - 6pm

• 30+ makers

• Credit cards, cash, venmo accepted

• The first 50 people receive free Shop Small canvas tote bags!

We Got the Cover with These Creatives

This morning I’m a combination nervous and giddy to say, “We got the cover!!” of @sourceweekly and in such creative, beautiful, talented company!!

Read the full Q&A here or view the rad photo collaboration/mashup here by this thoughtfully planned and executed Fall piece of word- and image-smithery.

Then, come shop all our Fall second-life® clothing, accessories, objects, and handmade jewelry (included in the featured images) in person at Found by @dutchbow, @sheshappydesign, @bryarwolf, @emilygibbonsjewelry and @notionsoflovely.

High fives to the woman-powered dream team @euijingray, @cyrphotographic, @katiedaisy_artist, @sheiladunnart and @hidealchemy!

Q4. What have you noticed as current in ‘art' and ‘style,’ local vs. beyond?

Katie I’ve noticed that lately people are into a minimal look with muted colors and natural textures. While I can appreciate the simplicity and clean lines, I don’t think I will ever venture into that realm. I’ve always been majorly inspired by the loud colors and boundary-pushing patterns of maximalist designers such as Gucci & Versace. In my art, fashion and home decor, I’m always trying to balance the chaos of using all the colors and patterns. It’s like exploring a wonderland with multitudes of gardens and secret places. 

Sheila In Central Oregon I’ve noticed a combination of function with fashion (you know, it’s hard to ride a bike in heels). And locally, there seems to be a continued movement of supporting makers and creatives. I have felt tremendously supported by the community here as an artist. And it seems like this trend is happening beyond the Northwest as well which is awesome. 

Alicia The trend I’ve been noticing is a movement towards having less; and gal rammit (god dammit) does it feel good! Owning a few really nice things instead of a pile of cheap stuff limits the amount of stuff you need to worry about. I’ve always loved the idea of a wardrobe of interchangeable pieces that all have the same resulting “look,” so you don’t have to think about getting dressed, you can just put on whatever, and it all works together. I’ve also noticed a consciousness for the length of time quality takes to create. It may take longer from the time of ordering to receiving your handmade garment, but you can rest assured knowing that you’ve just supported an individual, and they’ve put real intention and love into your piece. Just as much as you, they want it to last you for many years, too. 

Jacq The story. Customers and clients are more and more curious about who made it, why, and when—the source behind the idea, the fabric, the jewelry. Because it matters and spreads passion!

The Lady on Our Wall

Since opening our first Found Natural Goods' brick-and-mortar shop downtown Bend, Oregon, we've had the chance to fill it up with beautiful works of art including this ladies of the night portrait by Morgan Miller.  

Curious? Watch this. 

Watch the Found online store beef up with more beautiful, organic, handmade, loved objects. And, until then––plan to come to A Grand Opening for Found Natural Goods on August 3, 2018 from 4-8 pm. 

Shop this lady, now. 

We've Sharpened Our Product Photography - Gallivan Creative - Bend, Oregon Photo Studio

Thanks to the talented duo over at Gallivan Creative –– a Bend, Oregon based photo, and brand studio –– we've sharpened up our product photography status on both our online store here and our Etsy shop.

Spoiler: we have a second, and third photo shoot to complete with Gallivan. This first one was focused on establishing a consistent style, strategy, and photographing all the handmade and found goods that round-out the Found Natural Goods' Etsy shop. With the first photo shoot behind us, we have all the smaller, handmade items photographed –– sage smudge sticks, organic beeswax, handmade candles in crocks, solid brass tags with custom hand stamped messages –– the larger products and lifestyle shots still lingering. 

Preparing with Gallivan was a fun and organic process given both of our wheelhouses and personalities (not all photographers are as open and flexible as Caitlin, and not all founders have been art directors ––  talk about a killer combination of talent in that studio!). Showing inspiration via Pinterest and tossing out ideas for what Found could be in a word, then building on that one word with a visual example to elevate it. We built off each other to determine a game plan and come day-of the shoot, we had a great volley of ideas and products at their studio.  

Our intent was to bring a level of luxury with a twist of surrealism which we accomplished with the shadow warp and clever styling thanks to a string of fishing line. Which in our minds, elevates our the simplicity of our products into something that's anything but pedestrian –– an elegant presentation of something we love and value, and to others may appear as just sage, just pine sticks, just beeswax, et cetera. Gallivan categorized our result as "bright and clean brands" and we'll take that description any day.

'Twas a pleasure, Gallivan. Until next time!  

"Eco-Home Goods" Means Organic, Whole Foods Too

When I was first launching Found Natural Goods, I was in the midst of taking on the candida diet weeks before modeling for a big client with my modeling agency, Sports Lifestyle Unlimited. In buying basketfuls of organic produce, it was apparent that there was a common thread in the [Found Natural Goods online] store, the products I was creating, and what my other career of sports modeling would need in order to thrive. I saw that common thread as a healthy home, a highly considered diet, conscious consumption in things and food –– an eco home through-and-through. 

There are a handful of go-to recipes I make on a weekly basis that are mostly variations of tacos, salads, bowls, and veggies stuffed with other veggies. This is a simplistic way of describing it all, but, it's also quite accurate. 

Last week, I discovered Love & Lemons. A website packed full of delicious veggie recipes. If you're more of a freestyler in the kitchen like myself, I highly recommend merging this recipe's veg bowl concept with this recipe's broth and mushrooms. 

There's a meditative way that you can shop for all the veggies slowly and mindfully in the store, come home, soak 'em in an organic citrus wash, chop carefully with your favorite knife on a beautiful cutting board, and then play with all the ingredients that has become a favorite pastime of mine. Cooking in general is. But, when you take the time to taste what you're making, play with textures, not rush through the process and then enjoy a meal with a loved one, two, or three –– that's when I feel like I've succeeded. 

Thank you Love & Lemons for sharing your talents. Check them out! 

Found en México

by Found Natural Goods Founder and Curator, Jacqueline Smith

On the plane ride home from this most recent trip south to México, it occurred to me that this was my 11th time in the country. Which kind of shocked me. Granted, it's over the course of 31 years––my first trip being at 8 years old. Most of my trips have been centered around seeing and being with my family, and when I was much younger. But, as an adult, I've kept coming back. Every trip totally different in intent, destination, duration––but all so familiar.  

This last trip was about one-on-one time with my guy, a break from the to-do list, some reprieve, and lots of good food and lots and lots of warm sun. We were successful in choosing no Christmas gifts for each other this year––but an experience, together!   

All are handmade by Méxican artisans of all mediums, selected by hand one-by-one for their combined beauty, function, and originality.

While on the beach, or eating, or walking, or running, or just heading off for drinks and dinner––I'm confronted with the arts everywhere I look. Arts not meaning fine art, or expensive, or even intentional. The resourcefulness, the hard-working, the handmade, the hands-on, and many, many textiles and colors of the country are undeniable. Visually, it's always so pleasing––which is hard to type out because the poverty is also so undeniable too. 

Suffice to say, touching everything the always kind Méxican vendors put in front of me and dipping into every store was calling my name, quite loudly! I became awash by the idea that I could support these makers while finding beautiful, original works of functional art, and bring them home to share. Ones guided by FOUND NATUAL GOODS' way -- "beautiful goods found in nature: eco home goods, handmade jewelry, and organic beauty products."

And so, I did! Look what I've found! All one-of-a-kind things I'd keep myself if I wasn't a minimalist at heart. They are here to be shared with you all. I hope you find them as unique and special as I do. All are handmade by Méxican artisans of all mediums, selected by hand one-by-one for their beauty, function, and originality.     

HAND STAMPED SOLID BRASS KEY TAGS

by Found Natural Goods Founder and Curator, Jacqueline Smith

I drug this once heavily water-drenched piece of wood from Wallowa Lake a couple years back, before Found began.  

Today it's collecting all of my mantra medallion slip-ups I've made over the years, in a fish-like scale pattern––making the wood appear as a golden mermaid tail. It's actually really lovely to have around. 

Recently, it was brought to my attention by the lovely Julia of Feather Divine, at a Bazaar this past summer, that they're not "slip-ups" but really great, beautiful, meaningful brass key tags full of character. Put them out and into the world, woman! 

Against my type-a grain, I'm following suit and loving it! By the minimalist-at-heart-self loves that I'll have fewer things around my studio, and the medallions are going to people who respond to them! Win-win. 

Note: the coins that are priced at $18 are the slip-ups amongst other mantras I've hammered at my own accord. Or, make a custom commission when adding The Law of Attraction in Brass to your cart. Enjoy! 

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The Poetry of Material Things

This reel is badass. 

Photo Series: From Above

by Found Natural Goods Founder and Curator, Jacqueline Smith

Years ago, when I first moved to Minneapolis, MN for the hell of it––a job in Wisconsin didn't pan out and I wanted to get to a metro quickly. Turns out, I'm a PNW country girl. Not, a mid-western country girl. There is a difference and I felt so out of water in the football, cheese, flat, lake-effect negative degree cold winter of 2010. Also known as Snowmageddon. Yep. I can do snow, but when I'm able to play in it! 

So, I escaped! I went to Puerto Vallarta, México for a couple of months, left my car at some random girls apartment off Craigslist––she kindly said she'd start it every week or so––and sought after family time with my grandparents, surf, bronzed skin, tacos, tequila, and daily beach runs. 

This was my view, photo above, from the plane ride down. I melted when I saw the coastline of México––desolate, bare, dry, so colorful against the Pacific. The clouds' shadows reminded me of a surrealist painting and I've even attempted to paint this scene myself a couple of times. It hangs in my office today. 

Other Photo Series

• Looking Up MPLS
• Non-Graffiti Graffiti
• Natural Gradients
• Horizon Lines

Several more "From Above" images below:

Emily Gibbons Jewelry, Oregon Badlands Photoshoot

by Found Natural Goods Founder and Curator, Jacqueline Smith

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to be asked to model for a talented jewelry maker here in Bend; Emily Gibbons Jewelry. After the first photo, the photographer Toni asked me what I was thinking about. I told her I was trying to remember that I'm home in the Badlands. I think what I meant was, I felt a little out of place in my shiny boots, makeup, and white silky dress. Growing up in the desert, I was a tomboy covered in moon dust inside my juniper tree forts. 

Even so, I still felt beautiful and fortunate. But a little silly. I embraced it and loved every moment. This photo encapsulates the feeling I had in that moment––a little high maintenance but fabulous in a gorgeous setting. 

Stay tuned for photos! 

barefootblissyoga.com

emilygibbonsjewelry.com

Chef's Table Inspiration vs. Search Engine Optimization

by Found Natural Goods Founder and Curator, Jacqueline Smith

Last year, the first episode of Chef's Table blew me away––like most. As someone who LOVES food but doesn't watch TV doesn't own a TV and has a hard time conversating on pop culture, music, actors names, or the latest app, snapchat, etc.–– to my surprise, I'm sold. After episode one, I even made a Facebook post on the series and set to watch the rest in an immediate fashion. Totally out of character for me. 

So, I'm really fucking inspired by this show, and at the same time, I'm launching Found Natural Goods online. It's my project, not client work, risky as ever, total time sucker, all about things that I love in life, things that make my days a little bit more lovely, and I actually want to do it. But, my way. 

In that fashion, alongside my defiant personality, I launch Found Natural Goods with a home page named "preface" and a blog titled "pastime." I'm stoked. But friends immediately say, "Hey, you know maybe you should do it like everyone else so people know how to use your site. It's kind of confusing." I ignored them.

I'm watching Massimo Bottura name his dishes like I'm naming my products! There's an avant-garde approach I'm taking and I'm hoping it translates and customers can feel the difference of shopping on my site versus a commercial one. Instead of "Stamped Round Brass Tag" I'm beside myself in pure joy entitling my hand-stamp round brass tags as "The Law of Attraction in Brass." It's The Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano! I'm working on my own project and having fun. In my mind, I have arrived.

A year later, today, I'm not killing it like I'd envisioned, wanted, hoped to. I've been totally absorbed by client work, my many, many, outdoor hobbies, dating, family, my sports modeling career, traveling whenever possible, and maintaining that balance I've blogged about before. I'm still excited by Found Natural Goods and it has become sustainable already. But now instead of being pumped to do things differently, I'm now pumped to track all this recent backend work I've been doing –– what I should have done from the start. I'm now adhering to the book. I'm doing what I tell clients to do in the first meeting.

I'm on the computer a lot more these days; entering metadata, naming products with accordance to their keywords and winning word combinations, and creating business profiles on sites that apparently matter. But, it's worth it. I believe in Found Natural Goods. This is my take two. It's a much smarter approach to running an online store. I want Found Natural Goods to reach a greater community than I could ever imagine, and I think this is how I'm going to achieve it.

But come round three, I'm going back to the product names that make me smile inside even with their shit SEO rankings. Until then, I am keeping The Law of Attraction in Brass as is. She's still live. 

Cheers to trying, trying again, again, and yet again!